Writings from the wife of a wounded warrior who has been left with mostly invisible injuries.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Veteran's Day Parade

Last weekend, our family participated in the veteran's day parade here in Ottawa. It was the first year since Allen's injury that he has even been able to attend the parade, let alone be in it. They have asked us several times to participate, but this was the first year Allen has been well enough to even try it. Our good friends were here from South Carolina, (the dad is also a wounded warrior with severe PTSD), so they joined us in the parade!

The original plan was for the kids to ride in the back of the truck with Allen and Dave and Frankie and Harry (their service dogs), while Meaghan and I rode in the front (where it was warm!)!! We ended up switching that though and had my sister drive the truck (I was afraid I might get distracted and end up running over a tuba player in front of us), Meaghan, Makale, and Abbey rode in the front, with the little kids in the back. I rode on the tail gate while Allen, Frankie, Dave and Harry walked behind us. That way if there was a problem with Allen I could jump off and help.

The little kids were so excited to throw out candy! I went to the store and bought a BUNCH of left over halloween candy on clearance so they would have plenty, or so I thought! They ran out in the first block! The parade ran from 5th for about 6 blocks. They have a small ceremony in the middle of the parade, with a 21 gun salute, short speaker, national anthem, and a fly over. Well, we were stopped right in the intersection, only a block into the parade for the ceremony. If you can imagine this was highly stressful as we are in the middle of downtown, in the middle of an intersection with people everywhere, a fly over, and then the 21 gun salute. Dave had to walk away from it all but was able to take care of himself and get away. Allen sort of froze. I was able to talk to him throughout though and keep him here. It was amazing! I was pretty nervous while we were going through it, but it was great for him to make it through. What a boost in confidence!! He was even able to enjoy the rest of the parade after we started moving again!! I just walked with him the rest of the way which was actually pretty cool!

Since our show had just aired the night before everyone was yelling our names and clapping for us. It was a bit overwhelming and kind of weird, but it was good that we could be there. I think it helped for people to be able to see us and wave to us to make it seem more normal. I was so proud of Allen and Dave for doing what they had to in order to take care of themselves. Not long ago, neither one of them would have been able to take care of themselves in that situation. Proud of you guys!!

It did take a toll on Allen later that day. We came home and he had a headache and needed some rest. Once again though, he took care of himself which is such a huge improvement. He went into his quiet room, took a little nap and regrouped and then was able to join us again later that afternoon. We still had a house full of company and he really enjoyed them. It was so great to see such a huge improvement in a year's time. Last year at this time I wasn't sure if he would ever be able to live with us in a home environment again or if we would have to find somewhere for him to live long term.

It just goes to show that God is good. He has a plan for us if we will just take the time to listen. Allen put in so much hard work that wasn't easy, but he is so much better now because of it. Today on Veteran's Day, 11-11-11, I want to thank Allen for his self less sacrifice and service to our great nation as well as all of the other veteran's past, present, and future. America is great because of you! Allen you are my true hero!

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About Me

I am the wife of a wounded warrior. This season of my life started November 21, 2007, the day before Thanksgiving. My husband was deployed to Iraq and my family had all went to my sister's house for the holiday. My mom, sister, and I were making pies when my cell phone rang. Little did I know that my entire life was about to change. My husband had been critically injured in Iraq. Thus began this season of my life.
We are now three years into this season. We have all changed in many ways. Each day we try to embrace each other for who we are now and not dwell too much on who we used to be. Some changes are not so good, but many are definitely for the better. Just recently, we have started talking about the positive changes that we notice that are a direct result of this traumatic event.
I now know that my passion in life is to help other wounded warriors and their families. There are many needs that are not being met and it is my hope to help fill in some of those gaps for others who are traveling this same road.

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If you would like to post a link to any part of my blog, or copy and paste, please ask for permission before doing so. This is my personal story and is written for the purpose of self therapy and to help other's in similar situations feel less alone or find resources for help. I appreciate everyone's support and comments and will gladly grant permission to people or organizations that have similar beliefs as my own.

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I'm a Finalist!!

MG Bunting presenting SGT Hill with Purple Heart

December 3, 2007 WRAMC

Family Pic

June 2010

New York City Wounded Warrior Trip with the FDNY

Riding an FDNY fireboat to the statue of liberty. May 2008

Family

There is no bond stronger than the one that exists in a family. It allows us to fail without fault, to learn without loss,to love without condition. It is how we become who we are...-Brooke Vogel

Allen, Gina, Makale, and Dreyson

Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn, NY

Road to Recovery Conference and Tribute

Makale and Dreyson with Mickey and Minnie in Orlando December 2008

Daddy and the Boys

Hanging out in the hottub

Lightning McQueen at Hollywood Studios

Posing with Lightning McQueen

Makale @ Sunflower State Games

Makale and Heather displaying their medals from the Sunflower State Games August 2007